Global news roundup

Sri Lanka's textile and garment export earnings fell 4.3% during the first three quarter of the year

The following is a round-up of apparel and footwear news from the world's local media. just-style has not checked these stories so cannot guarantee their accuracy.

Unfavourable employment policies are forcing ten garment and footwear firms to end production in Indonesia. Vietnam and Cambodia are more competitive because of improved industrial facilities and lower wages, according to the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Unemployment figures could increase if companies move their factories to other countries. THE JAKARTA GLOBE

China's cotton reserves are forecast to increase to around 9bn metric tonnes this season, which will cover the country's deficit for the next six years. Inventories are rising with the government boosting purchases to support prices in the country and raise farmers incomes, according to Allenberg Cotton Co. China may buy 5m tonnes for stockpiles this year, which will be an increase from 3.2m the year before. BLOOMBERG

Some 17 people have been taken ill because of a strange smell at a Forever 21 warehouse in Lincoln Heights. Some victims suffered nausea, headaches and acute sickness after the smell, which may have originated from painting work nearby, was reported in the 2m sq ft building. The fumes were likely to have passed through the facility's air conditioning unit. KTLA

Polystyrene composites and mineral seal oil have been found within pills and liquid inside the cups of Chinese-made bras. The news comes after the bras were seized because consumers complained of itchiness. Both materials do not cause harm to humans, according to the Criminal Science Institute under the Ministry of Public Security. However, there is a cancer-causing substance in mineral seal oil, the Vietnam Chemistry Institute said. TALKVIETNAM

Sri Lanka's textile and garment export earnings slipped 4.3% in the first three quarter of the year. This was due to weaker demands from the European Union despite an increase in the number of exports to the US, according to data from the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. Earnings from exports to the US rose 6% year-on-year to US$537m. THE DAILY MIRROR